BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will soon resume tourism by Shanghai residents to Kinmen and Matsu, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Wednesday.
The resumption is intended to further normalize cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and make exchanges across various fields a regular practice, respond to the strong expectations of Taiwan residents and the tourism industry, and enhance the well-being of people on both sides of the Strait, the ministry said.
The ministry added that preparatory work is progressing steadily and expressed hope that tourism sectors on both sides of the Strait will strengthen communication and coordination to provide high-quality services and products for mainland residents traveling to Kinmen and Matsu.
"This is a concrete step taken in response to the strong desire of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for closer exchanges, and to the mainstream public opinion of people in Taiwan who want peace, development, exchanges and cooperation," said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.
The spokesperson noted that the mainland has consistently supported efforts for normal cross-Strait travel and regular exchanges in various fields to bring tangible benefits to Taiwan compatriots.
Chen urged Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities to face the mainstream public opinion on the island and the calls from relevant industries, lift restrictions on cross-Strait visits as well as cooperation in various fields, and restore travel by mainland residents to Taiwan at an early date. Enditem
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